Coupling analysis between cost and carbon emission of bamboo building materials: A perspective of supply chain

Abstract

Bamboo building materials with carbon storage potential are considered to be the key to low carbon emissions and sustainable development in the construction industry. However, the willingness to pay and the carbon storage effect of bamboo materials still face major obstacles, and the supply chain needs to be optimised as it affects the economic and green benefits of bamboo building materials. This study aims to investigate the carbon emission and cost distribution of bamboo building materials, analyse the key influencing factors and propose an equilibrium optimisation strategy. Results indicate that ‘Carbonisation’, ‘Glue application’ and ‘anti-mould, anti-corrosion and drying’ in the production phase are the major contributors to carbon emissions, which are mainly generated by biomass fuel carbonisation kiln, adhesives and anti-mould preservatives. ‘Transportation from front-end factory to back-end factory” and ‘Transportation from back-end factory to construction site” in the supply phase are the largest obstacles to cost, and transportation distance is the key factor. The results were accepted by the manufacturer and facilitated the screening of the best equilibrium control strategy: clean energy replacement, use of new adhesives and anti-mould products and adjustment of transport distances. After the implementation of the optimisation strategy, carbon emissions were reduced by 40.10% and costs were reduced by 35.31%, indicating that the effect of the optimisation strategy is obvious. This study explores the carbon reduction potential of bamboo building materials, provides actionable guidance for producers of building materials and architects, and promotes the willingness of society to accept payment.